DermWorld physician editor search
The American Academy of Dermatology’s award-winning monthly magazine, DermWorld, seeks candidates to serve as its next paid physician editor.
Position overview
The Physician Editor is appointed for an initial four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, which may be renewed for a second four-year term with the consent of both the Physician Editor and the Board of Directors. A transition period will begin by approximately September 2025.
This prestigious position has responsibility for advising staff editors on story topics, sources, and outside contributors; contributing content to the print publication and corresponding website; reviewing annual editorial calendars, monthly story lists, and each issue in its entirety; convening virtual annual meetings of the publication’s editorial advisory workgroup; and representing the publication at the AAD’s Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy.
Qualifications include, but are not limited to:
Must be a Fellow member of the American Academy of Dermatology
Must be free of conflicts of interest
Must be available to spend approximately 10-20 hours per month serving as physician editor
Must be available to travel to the Academy’s Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy, and to an annual strategy meeting at the Academy’s headquarters, at the Academy’s expense
Must have a love of dermatology and interest in sharing information within the specialty
Writing or editing experience for lay or scientific publications is desirable. Experience in and knowledge of a variety of dermatology practice environments preferred.
Submission requirements and evaluation criteria
Interested applicants will be required to:
Submit their curriculum vitae
Provide relevant disclosures
Fill out a questionnaire (will be sent to applicants once form is completed)
Selected applicants will also participate in phone interviews.
Applications for the physician editor position are being accepted through April 30 and may be submitted below.
Questions?
Review the FAQs below or contact Sabra Sullivan, MD, PhD, FAAD, care of Victoria Houghton, by sending an email to vhoughton@aad.org.
About DermWorld
DermWorld is the official magazine of the American Academy of Dermatology. Started in 1991 as a tabloid-style newsmagazine, it has evolved with the field. In 2011 it became a magazine with a Physician Editor and added its current tagline, “Navigating practice, policy, and patient care;” in the ensuing years it has grown to include a website (www.aad.org/dw) and two weekly e-newsletters: DermWorld Weekly and DermWorld Academy Insider. The DermWorld brand also encompasses other Academy publishing brands, including DermWorld Meeting News and DermWorld Directions in Residency.
A typical issue of DermWorld magazine includes:
Three feature articles
From the Editor (column highlighting articles of interest)
Clinical Applications (interview with author of a recent study)
What’s Hot (editorial advisors sharing the latest in dermatology)
Cracking the Code (coding column)
Advocacy News Roundup (recent happenings of interest)
Answers in Practice (practice management column)
Legally Speaking (legal issues column)
From the President (updates from the Academy president)
Asked & Answered (FAQs from membership)
Academy Update and Impact Report (Academy news)
Facts at Your Fingertips (back-page visual column)
Reader survey data shows that Academy members rank Dermatology World their top resource for managing their practices:
Credibility of content, quality of writing = 93% excellent or good
Visual appeal (cover, overall, art) = 89% excellent or good
DermWorld content is relevant to my practice = 84% strongly agree or agree
DermWorld effectively keeps me informed of Academy efforts on my behalf = 89% strongly agree or agree
FAQs
1. How long is the Physician Editor’s term?
The Physician Editor is appointed for an initial four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, which may be renewed for a second four-year term with the consent of both the Physician Editor and the Board of Directors. A transition period will begin by approximately September 2025.
2. What are the Physician Editor’s key duties?
On an annual basis, the Physician Editor is responsible for the following:
Participate in planning meeting with staff to determine editorial content for following year (May)
Convene Editorial Advisory Workgroup (virtual March-April)
Attend Board of Directors meeting (Annual Meeting)
Attend Board of Directors meeting (Innovation Academy)
On a monthly basis, the Physician Editor is responsible for the following:
Participate in teleconference with staff to review outlines of one issue’s upcoming articles
Review drafts of upcoming articles and provide feedback to managing editor
Review draft issue layout and provide feedback to managing editor
Write “From the Editor” column (ghost writing available if preferred)
Select research column topic from nominated articles; draft and send questions to article author
The Physician Editor will also, on an ongoing basis:
Receive feedback from members and share with editorial team
Participate in phone calls as needed to address questions about the publication as they arise
Identify new areas of interest or on-going topics that should be covered in DermWorld
3. What are the professional qualifications for this position?
We encourage anyone with strong leadership, editing, and writing skills to apply for this position. Applicants must have excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and organizational skills, and must value collaboration.
You must be a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology to apply. Publication experience is desirable; a love of dermatology and ensuring that members of the Academy are well informed about new developments that affect them is a must.
4. What are the personal qualifications for this position?
Our ideal candidate will exhibit honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Accessibility and responsiveness are required. Additionally, applicants must possess an inherent interest in the creative process of editorial planning and design.
5. When will the DermWorld Physician Editor be appointed?
We anticipate selecting the new Physician Editor in July 2025.
6. What is the anticipated time commitment for this position?
Experience indicates that this position will require 10-20 hours of work per month.
7. Is there travel involved with this position?
Yes. Travel to the Academy’s Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy and to an annual planning meeting at the Academy’s headquarters is required and will be paid for by the Academy.
8. Where is the Academy’s headquarters located?
The Academy’s headquarters is located in Rosemont, Illinois. Rosemont is located approximately 18 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop and a few minutes from O’Hare International Airport.
9. Who will train the new editor?
There will be a transition period between September 2025 and December 2025, during which time both the current Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, and the new Physician Editor will participate in the duties of the role.
